They said: “For too long we have ducked an open debate over immigration.

“The strength of feeling is clear.

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Former Labour minister Pat McFadden also admitted the Remain campaign was wrong

For too long we have ducked an open debate over immigration

Open Britain ex-ministers

“This was not an expression of prejudice but a desire for managed migration and concern that rapid immigration can put pressure on public services and communities.”

The new pressure group – which takes over from the official Remain campaign group Stronger In – will urge Theresa May not to “pull up the drawbridge” and secure the best trade deals with the Brussels bloc.